Released on: January 28, 2008, 7:36 am

Press Release Author: Mark Dunphy/Dunphy Public Relations

Industry: Government

Press Release Summary: Rathkeale, County Limerick, 28th January 2008 - Limerick
County Council today marked a milestone in the delivery of Local Government services
in West Limerick by officially opening its newest Area Headquarters in Rathkeale.

Press Release Body: Complemented by the provision of a fully serviced Branch Library
and dedicated Arts Centre, the modern new EUR3m Area Office building forms part of
the County Council's ongoing efforts to provide services that are immediately
accessible to members of the public throughout Limerick.

Àras Seán Finn replaces the original Area Office on the New Line Road, which was
badly damaged by fire in August 2003, and will provide a range of engineering and
administrative services to the Rathkeale Electoral Area.

According to Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, "The
range and extent of facilities provided in this modern and spacious building enable
the Council to provide a more comprehensive service than ever before. I have no
doubt that these excellent facilities, will be much used and appreciated by the
people of Rathkeale and the West Limerick Area."

The Cathaoirleach complimented Elliott, Maguire, Landers Architects and Brian
McCarthy Contractors Ltd. for delivering the project.

Local Councillor John Griffin, who is scheduled to resign from the County Council at
the end of February, officially opened the new Headquarters today.

Cllr. Griffin said, "As an elected representative of the Rathkeale Electoral Area
for almost 30 years, I have been aware of the community's desire for an expansive
range of council services to be provided at a local level. I am delighted that such
services have now been put in place especially as I prepare to retire from County
Hall in March."

"The naming of this building after Rathkeale's Seán Finn bears added personal
significance as my father, also named John, was a member of Brigadier Comdt Finn\'s
West Limerick Brigade during the War of Independence", added the Councillor.


Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager, expressed optimism that the new Rathkeale
Area Headquarters would help establish the town as an important centre of activity
for the West Limerick area.

He explained, "Rathkeale and surrounding towns and villages have experienced
unprecedented growth in recent years. It is important, therefore, that such growth
is matched by the expansion and delivery of improved Local Government services.
Limerick County Council, with assistance from the Department of Environment,
Heritage and Local Government, is delighted to be able to provide such services to
the people of West Limerick."

Commenting on the provision of arts facilities and a full-time library service, Mr.
Damien Brady, County Librarian, Limerick County Council, stated, "The County's 26th
Branch Library allows the Council to provide a more comprehensive service than ever
before. The innovative new Arts Centre, meanwhile, will facilitate and encourage the
region's many and varied artists, as well as arts groups and organisations."

In addition to a stock of thousands of books for all age groups, the new Rathkeale
library will hold CDs and DVDs, daily newspapers, periodicals, magazines, foreign
language fiction, audio books and large print books. Facilities on offer will
include free public Internet access, a request service at www.borrowbooks.ie, ample
study space and extended opening hours to accommodate students.

Mr. Brady added, "We are also launching the first set of digital books in our
service for adults and children in this branch. These are pre-loaded audio books are
compact and portable - just plug in the earphones and away you go. In every sense
they represent the union of technology with literature and are deemed an ideal
format for the 21st century. We hope that teenagers and children will grasp this
format with ease."

Meanwhile, Mr. Brady confirmed that the wheelchair accessible library will take part
in the County Library Services extensive programme of activities during 2008,
including the Bealtaine Festival in May and Children's Book Festival in October.

"We hope the Branch Library and Arts Centre will be central to the life of the local
community and will become cherished facilities for the people of West Limerick",
added the County Librarian.

The main function of the Rathkeale Area Headquarters is to administer work
programmes such as road maintenance and improvement, housing and housing grants,
water services, customer services, and planning reporting and enforcement. The
Office also hosts Committee meetings of Rathkeale Electoral Area Councillors.

The geographical area covered by the service extends from the Ferry Bridge on the
eastern side to Glin on the West. It includes towns and villages such as Glin,
Loghill, Foynes, Askeaton, Pallaskenry, Kildimo, Rathkeale, Ballingarry, Shanagolden
and Carrigkerry.

For more on Limerick County Council log on to www.lcc.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- To arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on
086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
- High-resolution images taken during today's official opening are available on
request. Contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or
media@dunphypr.com

Web Site: http://www.dunphypr.com

Contact Details: Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
media@dunphypr.com
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)